Can UAE passport holders travel to the United States without a visa?

No, UAE passport holders require a visa to enter the United States. The US is on the visa-required list for Emirati citizens. You must apply for the appropriate visa (B1/B2 tourist/business visa is most common) at a US Embassy or Consulate before travel. Processing times vary, and an in-person interview is typically required. The UAE is not part of the US Visa Waiver Program.

Which major countries can UAE passport holders visit without a visa in 2025?

UAE passport holders enjoy visa-free access to major destinations including all Schengen countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, etc.), the United Kingdom (with Electronic Travel Authorization), China, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Brazil, Argentina, South Korea (with ETA), Canada (with eTA), and Russia (with ETA). Popular destinations like Thailand, Egypt, Turkey, and the Philippines are also visa-free. However, Australia and the United States require visas.

Is military service mandatory for UAE citizens and how does it affect passport holders?

Yes, mandatory military service applies to Emirati male citizens aged 18-30. The service duration is typically 16 months for those without high school diplomas and 9 months for high school graduates. Males between these ages may face travel restrictions and require military clearance to leave the UAE. This does not affect naturalized citizens over 30 or female citizens (voluntary service available). Exemptions exist for certain cases including sole family providers and medical conditions.

Can I use my UAE passport to work in Europe without additional permits?

No, visa-free access does not grant the right to work. While UAE passport holders can enter Schengen countries visa-free for up to 90 days within 180 days for tourism or business visits, you cannot work or reside without proper authorization. To work in European countries, you must obtain a work visa or residence permit, which typically requires a job offer from an employer who will sponsor your application through the respective country's immigration system.

Do UAE passport holders need a visa for Australia and New Zealand?

Yes, both countries require authorization. For Australia, UAE passport holders must obtain a visa before travel (typically an eVisitor or ETA, depending on purpose). For New Zealand, an Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) is required, which can be obtained online before departure. Neither country offers visa-free access to UAE passport holders, though the electronic systems make the process relatively straightforward compared to traditional visa applications.

What documents do I need to renew my UAE passport and how long does it take?

To renew a UAE passport, you need: valid Emirates ID, original current passport, recent passport-sized photo (if required), and payment of fees (AED 300-1000 depending on validity period). Applications are submitted through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP) or approved typing centers. Processing typically takes 3-7 working days for standard service. Passports can be issued for 5 or 10 years. Renewal can be done up to 6 months before expiry.

Can UAE passport holders get visa on arrival in India, or is e-visa required?

UAE passport holders cannot get visa on arrival in India. However, they are eligible for e-Visa (electronic visa), which must be obtained online before travel. Indian e-Visas are available for tourism, business, medical, and conference purposes with varying validity periods (30 days to 5 years depending on type). The e-Visa must be applied for at least 4 days before arrival. Processing typically takes 2-4 business days, and you must print the e-Visa to present upon arrival.

Are there any countries that ban or restrict UAE passport holders from entry?

Very few countries outright ban UAE passport holders. However, visa-required countries include North Korea, Turkmenistan, Libya, Eritrea, and Afghanistan, where entry is difficult regardless of nationality due to political situations. Yemen, despite being on the visa-on-arrival list, is not recommended for travel due to ongoing conflict. Syria offers visa-free access but travel is extremely dangerous. Venezuela also requires a visa. Always check current travel advisories before planning trips to politically unstable regions.

Can I transit through European airports with a UAE passport without a visa?

Yes, UAE passport holders can transit through European Schengen airports without a visa, even for airside transit (not leaving the international zone), as they have visa-free access to the Schengen Area. You can also leave the airport and enter the country for up to 90 days within 180 days. However, for UK transit, if you're changing airports or leaving airside, you may need a Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) or Visitor in Transit visa depending on your circumstances, though UAE nationals generally have favorable UK access with ETA.

United Arab Emirates Passport Ranking – Visa Free Access to 184 Countries

🏠 RBI Available

The United Arab Emirates passport ranks 8th globally in 2025, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 184 destinations worldwide. This represents a remarkable rise in passport power, climbing from 62nd place in 2006 with only 35 visa-free destinations to its current top-10 position. UAE passport holders enjoy exceptional global mobility and travel freedom, with access to major economies across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. The passport's strength reflects the UAE's growing diplomatic influence and international relations, making it one of the most powerful travel documents in the world.

Global Rank

out of 199 countries

Visa Free Access

184

countries worldwide

Mobility Score

out of 100 points

Quick Statistics for United Arab Emirates passport

142

Visa-Free

On Arrival

ETA Required

E-Visa

Visa Required

Source: Skyscanner & Official Government Websites.

Top Visa-Free Destinations for Emirati Citizens

Popular destinations where United Arab Emirates passport holders can travel without a visa:

Country	Maximum Stay	Code
Singapore	Up to 90 days	SG
Malaysia	Up to 90 days	MY
Turkey	Up to 90 days	TR
Thailand	Up to 60 days	TH
Georgia	Up to 90 days	GE

Visa Requirements by Country

Complete breakdown of visa requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders

✅ Visa-Free

142 countries

🛬 Visa on Arrival

32 countries

🔐 ETA Required

10 countries

💻 E-Visa

16 countries

❌ Visa Required

26 countries

Historical Ranking Trend

United Arab Emirates's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Trend: Improved by 54 positions from 2006 to 2025

Citizenship and Residency Programs

🏠 Residency by Investment (RBI)

Obtain residency in United Arab Emirates through qualified investments, with potential pathways to citizenship.

RBI Program Available

Official United Arab Emirates Passport & Travel Resources

Access official government resources for passport services, travel advisories, and visa information:

🔗

UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

🔗

Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA)

🔗

UAE Government - Passport Services

🔗

General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA)

Frequently Asked Questions:

As of 2025, the UAE passport ranks 8th globally with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 184 destinations. This represents a remarkable improvement from 62nd place in 2006 (35 destinations). The UAE passport has climbed 54 positions in less than two decades, with the most significant jump occurring between 2014-2018, making it one of the fastest-rising passports in the world and the strongest in the Middle East region.

Explore More Passport Rankings

Discover United Arab Emirates's passport power and compare with other countries to find the world's most powerful travel documents.

View All Passport Rankings

Last Updated: November 9, 2025

Source: IATA Travel Centre, Skyscanner & Official Government Websites.

United Arab Emirates Passport Ranking – Visa Free Access to 184 Countries

🏠 RBI Available

Country

Maximum Stay

Code

Up to 90 days

Up to 90 days

Up to 90 days

Up to 60 days

Up to 90 days

Historical Ranking Trend

United Arab Emirates's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Trend: Improved by 54 positions from 2006 to 2025

Frequently Asked Questions:

Quick Statistics for United Arab Emirates passport

Top Visa-Free Destinations for Emirati Citizens

Visa Requirements by Country

✅ Visa-Free

🛬 Visa on Arrival

🔐 ETA Required

💻 E-Visa

❌ Visa Required

Historical Ranking Trend

United Arab Emirates's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Citizenship and Residency Programs

🏠 Residency by Investment (RBI)

Official United Arab Emirates Passport & Travel Resources

Frequently Asked Questions:

How powerful is the UAE passport in 2025 and how has its ranking improved?

Can UAE passport holders travel to the United States without a visa?

Which major countries can UAE passport holders visit without a visa in 2025?

Is military service mandatory for UAE citizens and how does it affect passport holders?

Can I use my UAE passport to work in Europe without additional permits?

Do UAE passport holders need a visa for Australia and New Zealand?

What documents do I need to renew my UAE passport and how long does it take?

Can UAE passport holders get visa on arrival in India, or is e-visa required?

Are there any countries that ban or restrict UAE passport holders from entry?

Can I transit through European airports with a UAE passport without a visa?

Explore More Passport Rankings

Quick Statistics for United Arab Emirates passport

Top Visa-Free Destinations for Emirati Citizens

Visa Requirements by Country

✅ Visa-Free

🛬 Visa on Arrival

🔐 ETA Required

💻 E-Visa

❌ Visa Required

Historical Ranking Trend

United Arab Emirates's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Citizenship and Residency Programs

🏠 Residency by Investment (RBI)

Official United Arab Emirates Passport & Travel Resources

Frequently Asked Questions:

How powerful is the UAE passport in 2025 and how has its ranking improved?

Can UAE passport holders travel to the United States without a visa?

Which major countries can UAE passport holders visit without a visa in 2025?

Is military service mandatory for UAE citizens and how does it affect passport holders?

Can I use my UAE passport to work in Europe without additional permits?

Do UAE passport holders need a visa for Australia and New Zealand?

What documents do I need to renew my UAE passport and how long does it take?

Can UAE passport holders get visa on arrival in India, or is e-visa required?

Are there any countries that ban or restrict UAE passport holders from entry?

Can I transit through European airports with a UAE passport without a visa?

Explore More Passport Rankings